Deep Meditation - Pathway to Personal Freedom

by Yogani

"Deep Meditation" is a concise step-by-step instruction book for a simple yet powerful method of daily meditation that will systematically unfold inner peace, creativity and energy in daily life. Whether you are seeking an effective tool for reducing stress, improving your relationships, achieving more success in your career, or for revealing the ultimate truth of life within yourself, "Deep Meditation" can be a vital resource for cultivating your personal freedom and enlightenment.

Yogani is the author of ground-breaking books on highly effective spiritual practices, Advanced Yoga Practices - Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living (two comprehensive user-friendly textbooks), and The Secrets of Wilder, a powerful spiritual novel.

The AYP Enlightenment Series makes these profound practices available for the first time in a series of concise instruction books. "Deep Meditation" is the first in the series.

Genres: Meditation, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Self Help, Religion

112 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

About the author

Yogani is the author of the Advanced Yoga Practices (AYP) system, including more than a dozen Instructional Titles available in Paperback, eBook and AudioBook editions, covering all aspects of Full-Scope Yoga Practice. Since 1970, he has crossed the lines between many traditions, developing an effective integration of methods including Deep Meditation, Spinal Breathing Pranayama, Hatha, Kundalini, Tantra, Self-Inquiry, and more. It is a flexible, scientific approach rather than a rigid, arbitrary one, and open to public scrutiny, as all spiritual knowledge should be nowadays. He has no desire for guru status - only to have the joy of making a small contribution to helping the disciplines of spiritual practice become open to everyone. He wishes to remain anonymous, preserving a quiet life in practices. AYP is not about the author. It is about all who long for knowledge. 


Reviews

[Dean Paradiso · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good instruction manual that covers the whole of the mantra/TM type meditation technique with practice instructions. If you need a refresher for TM, or are interested in trying out mantra meditation (which is more of a restful type practice) then this is a good primer. Read out by the author in a easy to listen way.

[Judy Eastwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best of all

If you are looking for instruction on meditation, this is it. Author explains everything very clearly. How to, why, what happens later, what to do if. After the initial “how to,” he asks that you try it for some minutes. It really is simple. 20” twice a day. I feel it is just like TM, which I paid a lot of money for, except all the explanations are here. Try it, it’s so worth your time. Namaste

[David Donaghe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a guide to Meditation and finding inner peace. The information is good, but the book is kind of short. If you want to know more about meditation and finding inner peace, then I suggest you read this book.

[Micmoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "iam" meditation is powerful and it leads to deep peace. I know it from personal experience

[Luke Sebree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic guide, this would be my go-to recommendation for anyone interested in meditation - particularly beginners. I will describe the basic technique and key takeaways.

Basic Technique:

-Assume a comfortable seated position
-Mentally chant the mantra "I AM" for 20 minutes
-Relax for 5-10 minutes after meditation
-Perform twice a day before morning and evening meals/activities

Takeaways:

-simplicity is the key
-long term consistency is essential
-Meditation purifies our nervous systems. "Symptoms of Purification" include thoughts, emotions, sensations, etc. All symptoms of purification are scenery on the road towards your destination
-When "Symptoms of Purification" arise, follow the PROCEDURE: Gently and easily favor the mantra. Don't force the mantra. If symptoms of purification that overwhelm the mantra, let your attention reside in the symptom without focusing on it or judging it. The symptom will likely let up in a few minutes, but it's okay if it doesn't.
-Post meditation rest is as important as meditation itself
-Self Pace. Some people require more or less time for their meditations.

[Emil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a Beautiful and Simplistic book

Deep Meditation - Pathway to Personal Freedom written by Yogani is such a beautiful book and even the style of writing and the energy behind the lines show the authenticity of the author's message. The same that I feel with Eckhart Tolle and Rupert Spira for example.

This book shows how simple it truly is to engage in Deep Meditation and how to avoid any complications that our human nature and more importantly, our minds, tend to do. The method is explained already within the first few pages. The rest of the book is to ensure that it remains as simple as possible by tackling any kind of situation that may arise which will drive us to complicate things.

The language is simple, and the message is simple, exactly as it should be. I will definitely get the other books in the series when the time is right.

[Tarun Vangani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty much the most well-written "how-to" manual on Mantra Meditation you can find. The author makes a strong effort to stay clear of any particular theistic tradition thus making it more palatable for everyone. The book's philosophy is closer to non-dualist Hindu schools or Buddhism. Personally, I believe this in combination with some other source (depending on one's beliefs) which focuses more on Insight and "whys" of the matter would work best. No matter what school of thought you subscribe to in terms of the practical method this book shines and provides value.

[Anthony Markley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't mistake the simplicity of the book - it is one of it's greatest strengths. A good book on meditation necessitates brevity and simplicity because the process of meditation can be made too complicated very easily. Many modern books on meditation overexplain a process that lies in simplicity, so are less effective for their size. Yogani does not waste a single sentence, and anything that feels underexplained is done so purposefully in order not to bloat the process. Just do exactly as he describes and you will never need any other instruction on how to meditate.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I read this book I found it to be repetitive. Now I get that it's meant to repeat the main technique for its simplicity. It's not only a great starting point, as it emphasizes that meditation only works when there is consistency and it becomes a habit. It can rewire your brain the same way going to the gym with consistency will change the body. Some people do it for a month and end up dropping it for the lack of results.

[Ishmael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good, practical information presented in a great pedagogical way that is easy to understand and easy to put into practice. Really tries to demistify as much as possible and was quite successful and I found it quite enjoyable and good. Will return to this when I need a reminder. Recommended yoany layman as a great step into spirituality and peace. Liked it alot.

[Afonso Matos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introductory book of mantra meditation. The author gives us a taste of what to expect from a long-term meditation practice. It's a book of little value to those who already have a solid understanding of meditation.

[Emilie Greenhalgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential basic reading to start your meditation practice. I really like the non-judgements nature of Yogani’s reminder to simply return to the mantra in any scenario. It cuts out a lot of the self-criticism that can arise for meditation newbies.

[Farhad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro guide for those with no experience meditating and find themselves asking how to get started, what to do, and what to expect.

[Paulina Grunwald · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is for people that have no previous knowledge of meditation.

[Kristyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I like the explanation of the meditation technique and how to tailor your practice, but some of the other info was less useful to me personally.

[Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only guide to meditation you will ever need.

[D William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great presentation

[Ahmed Mohamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and really recommended as kickoff in spiritual path. #A.M.S

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working to add meditation to my daily rituals and this guide was a quick read that reminded me of the why even when it feels like it’s not working. Will probably pick this one up again from time to time for the quick reminders on the how and why.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always skeptical of instructional self-help type books. I had never read one before this one because there are so many terrible books about meditation and spirituality written by 'authors' that frankly spew out BS and just pump them out to profit off of gullible readers.

I'm lucky that I found this book. My boyfriend had it on his Kindle, and so I started skimming over it to pass the time during a long car ride. This author, Yogani, has written an amazing step-by-step guide on how to practice deep meditation - he discusses the science behind it too, but he writes simply and encouragingly. He explains that by spending 20 minutes twice a day - once in the morning before breakfast, and once in the evening before dinner (you also have to make sure you spend a few minutes resting after each session before getting back to your daily routine) - and do it religiously every single day, the long-term effects will make you a calmer, happier person. He teaches the reader how to use a mantra "I am" - which means nothing and is just a sound you tell yourself whenever you feel your mind drifting. Yogani discusses all different ways of trying to find your inner stillness in deep meditation and recognizes everyone has different life stories, so it's okay and normal to have running thoughts, troubled emotions, and difficulty finding stillness - but that you always favor the mantra and by practicing that routine, you reach the inner stillness and understand your true self and how your life connects to everyone else and the world around you.

My review might sound kind of weird - I think before reading about this philosophy I would have dismissed this review too. But I really think everyone can benefit from meditating daily as a way to purify the mind from all the stress and anxiety we all have - I fit meditation into my life using his advice and while I have just started, I can already see why it can have such a positive and calming effect on our minds as we go through our everyday lives. It's such a quick and easy read - give it a shot, and maybe you'll want to try it out too. Deep Meditation - Pathway to Personal Freedom

[Karl-O]

I got interested in meditation after reading The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom. The author proposes meditation as the first options for those who are seeking more potential for happiness (whatever the hell that means) in their lives, the other two options being CBT and SSRI drugs. I've also heard Sam Harris championing meditation many times in his discussions and books, so I was quite encouraged to investigate about its methods and procedures.

Harris and Haidt give a more plausible view about what meditation is about than the author of this book who speaks of energies flowing in and out. The former authors believe that it helps cultivating calmness in the human mind which I believe is something I lack so to speak. I believe my mind is hyperactive most of the time and so this sounded like what I was looking for. I tried doing "Deep Meditation", as called in this book several times over the last week, and I am quite ambiguous about it. First when I started it was quite good and I felt calmer indeed, but the last couple of times it caused insomnia. I'll surely try it more in the coming days. As far as instructions are concerned, I think the book is pretty much straightforward and clear.

However, I will refrain from rating this book unless I measure the benefits of meditation in general and his method in particular (since a lot more methods exist for meditation as a matter of fact). It is a quite short book and very easy to read.

[Michael Brescia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever tried various relaxation/yoga/meditation/de-stressing whatevers, you may have found them stressful in their own way. Before finding this book I tried and failed with a dozen methods designed to reduce the daily stresses of life and help one focus better. They all seemed too much like work, and occasionally smashed you over the head with some sort of quasi-religious gobbledeegook.
Deep Meditation however is a very forgiving method, and easy enough to stick with. I still use it almost every morning for just 15 minutes to get my mind sharpened for the work day.
Universal appeal and not preachy.

[Cameron Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on deep meditation. I really mean so. One can walk away with so much knowledge and understanding of deep meditation from reading this book. One can choose their mantra and rid their mind of clutter and be silent internally and be with inner peace with oneself. The benefits only become greater the longer one meditates and the more in touch one becomes with their mantra. If this sounds like what you want then you should read this book. Okay, Tawny?

[Cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The description for this book (and the rest in the series) uses the word concise. They aren't kidding. I read several books on meditation before this one. None of the others resulted in any actual action (can I use that word when talking about meditation) the way this one has.

For those that want an approachable resource on a somewhat "mystical" practice, this book delivers. I recommend the entire series by Yogani.

[Cora · Rating 4 out of 5]

really clear, simple, and easy to follow for beginners. it didn't come across as mystic bullshit which i am always wary of with stuff like this where everything is made abstracted and confusing. it presents practical means for achieving stillness and the symptoms of that stillness in life.

i appreciated how many questions it included about what thoughts/sensations can arise during a meditation and how to handle them because i was wondering about many things as a first timer.

[Eduard · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not a bad book, small too. Does not have religious stuff in it too.
But felt afterwards that size to useful information ratio here was not good. Seems like its twice larger then it should be, and amount of jargon feels little bit higher then it could be too.

Anyways contains single but I guess powerful technique, especially good for calming down.

[Ryphna St-John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent "to the point" book. There is no religious/spiritual talk in this book just the very down to earth explanation of what is deep meditation, how to do it and what are the physical and mental effect of such a practice for short, medium and long term.

This is THE book people starting to do meditation should pick up.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very concise and straightforward guide to meditation. At time it even seems overly simple - but it is an excellent reminder of how not to overdo it when trying to meditate.

Its use of mantra meditation helps keep things simple and straightforward. It gets a touch new-agey towards the end, but overall a great starting place - or refresher - for meditation.

[John Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent intro to a simple mantra meditation. Still might be worth seeking a tutor for guidance but really this is all you need to get going - and it's (literally at time of writing) 100 times cheaper than a course in Transcendental Meditation.

[Albatross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid instruction and to the point

I found this short book to be exactly what I needed. Unlike many other books I’ve read, the author gets to the instruction and pertinent information quickly.